Walmart has just issued a major recall of frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states due to potential radioactive contamination. Federal health officials flagged the products after detecting Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.
The recall affects Great Value brand frozen shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all carrying a best-by date of March 15, 2027. Stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia are impacted.
What Is Cesium-137 and Why It Matters
Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including reactor operations, testing, and other nuclear processes. While it occurs naturally in trace amounts globally, exposure over time can pose health risks.
Experts like Donald Schaffner, a food safety professor at Rutgers University, stress that the detected levels in Walmart’s shrimp are well below FDA intervention thresholds. Still, the FDA recommends avoiding potentially contaminated products to minimize low-level radiation exposure.
Video: FDA warns public not to eat possibly radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart
How the Contamination Was Discovered
The FDA discovered Cesium-137 during inspections of shipping containers imported by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) from Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection found the isotope in containers entering ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.
Although some shipments were denied entry, Walmart received products from later shipments that didn’t trigger contamination alerts. Once aware, the retailer acted quickly, recalling the affected shrimp and urging consumers to discard or return the products.
Consumer Safety Recommendations
FDA officials advise anyone who purchased these frozen shrimp to:
- Throw them away immediately
- Return them to any Walmart store for a full refund
The potential health concern comes from long-term exposure to low levels of Cesium-137, which could impact health gradually if consumed repeatedly. However, the immediate risk is considered low, according to food safety authorities.
Why This Recall Is Significant
This recall highlights vulnerabilities in global food supply chains, particularly for imported seafood. Even trace contamination in one shipment can ripple across multiple states, affecting thousands of consumers.
Walmart’s swift response reflects both regulatory compliance and brand responsibility, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by large retailers handling perishable imported products.
The Broader Context of Food Safety
This recall comes amid heightened scrutiny of food imports and safety protocols in the U.S. Over the past few years, recalls related to salmonella, listeria, and other contaminants have become increasingly common. Federal agencies continue to monitor imported food products rigorously to protect consumers.
In Walmart’s case, the frozen shrimp recall is part of ongoing efforts to prevent health risks and maintain consumer confidence. While the company is a global retail giant, incidents like this emphasize the importance of proactive testing and monitoring in food safety.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Safe
Video: FDA recalls possibly radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart | Morning in America
For shoppers in affected states, the Walmart frozen shrimp recall is a clear reminder to check product labels carefully and follow FDA guidance. While the risk from Cesium-137 is low, taking precautionary steps is always the safest choice.
This incident also underscores the broader reality of global food imports—even trusted brands can encounter safety challenges. Consumers should stay informed, monitor recalls, and maintain awareness of potential hazards in everyday grocery items
